Trudeau himself did not answer the question of whether there is time to reverse a two per cent increase planned for the province in the new year.

However, a statement from the federal Department of Finance Wednesday afternoon said "the federal government will take any necessary steps to ensure that the rate increase does not come into effect on January 1, 2016."

The statement said the federal government will also work with the province to make sure information about HST changes are "communicated to businesses in a timely manner."

Climate change, trade and the economy were also discussed at the leaders' meeting in Ottawa, the first time Trudeau and Ball have met since the Liberals won the Newfoundland and Labrador election Nov. 30.

Several Newfoundland and Labrador members of Parliament — Judy Foote, Ken MacDonald, Gudie Hutchings, Yvonne Jones and Seamus O'Regan — were also at the meeting.

Trudeau noted that Ball will chair the Council of the Federation, which represents premiers and territorial leaders, in 2016.

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